Robert Sanchez: An early kicking error gifted Fulham a corner. He should have saved King’s equaliser at his near post, while his initial save for Fulham’s second was parried into a dangerous area, allowing Garcia to score. 3
Josh Acheampong: The 20-year-old produced a fine double clearance and block in the 27th minute and looked solid throughout. 6
Maxence Lacroix: Remarkably involved in both of Chelsea’s first two goals, with his headed clearance leading to the opener and his run down the right and cut-back setting up Rogers. 7
Levi Colwill: An early mistake left him fortunate to escape with only a yellow card after a foul on Bobb. He was also partly at fault for Fulham’s second goal after failing to clear a deep cross. 5
Malo Gusto: The wing-back was a surprise selection amid Chelsea’s injury problems, but his passing lacked conviction at times. 5
Romeo Lavia: Booked early on after a late challenge on Bassey. He grew into the game, however, going close from a corner and moving the ball well through midfield. 5
Reece James: Saw a miscued effort saved in the first half but gradually grew into the game and helped Chelsea gain control. 6
Jorrel Hato: Operating in an unfamiliar wing-back role, the defender produced a promising early dribble and adapted well. 6
Cole Palmer: Simply the best player on the pitch. Palmer was creative, physically impressive and produced several superb dribbles before scoring an excellent third goal. He looks refreshed after the summer break. 9
Morgan Rogers: An outstanding debut. Pressed aggressively, had a shot blocked, played in Joao Pedro and then capped his display by scoring Chelsea’s second with a far-post finish. 8
Joao Pedro: Opened the scoring after 31 seconds with a deft finish over Leno. He also exploited Fulham’s high defensive line intelligently to set up Palmer’s goal. 8
Subs:
Enzo Fernandez (on 65, Lavia): The Argentine was booed by the home fans on every touch of the ball and might not have featured had Moises Caicedo been fit. Still, Fernandez moved the ball around the pitch and fought for possession. 6
Pep Chavarria (on 65, Hato): It was a back-to-the-wall job for the wing-back but he did little of note on his brief debut cameo. 5
Pedro Neto (on 76, Gusto): 5
Geovany Quenda (on 82, Rogers): 5
Estevao (on 83, Palmer): 5
Subs not used: Penders, Barco, Gittens, Welbeck.
